The Bento Box: Issue 9
Another week has passed, but this week was the famous Golden Week here in Japan, when many people have three consecutive holidays. However, this year it became one of the longest holiday periods some employees can take throughout the entire year, as it connected with the April 29th holiday. Because of that, many people decided to take additional days off to enjoy a proper vacation, since for many this is the only extended break they will have until New Year’s Eve. Yes, work culture in Japan can be tough, and it is definitely not for the weak.
I went to check a house for a client during the holiday and ended up talking with an older Japanese man who started a conversation with me on the bullet train (which is honestly really rare in Japan). He told me this was one of the few times during the year he gets to see his son, who lives in another prefecture, because of the long holiday. So, just a little insight into Japan lately.
And what does this have to do with anything, you might ask? Well, the housing business has practically stopped during this week, so we had to explain to several clients why offers were still pending or why things were not really moving forward. We also haven’t seen many updates on new properties lately, but after this week we are hoping to see more houses come onto the market~
Anyways, long story short, today I found some houses I had not seen before. Since we introduce and search for houses on a daily basis, we already know most of the available supply (at least in the Otaru region and Myoko area), and today I found gold for this week’s bento box!
Ingredient #1
📍 Location: Otaru, Hokkaido
💰 Price: ¥18,566,000 (~$120,557 USD)
🏠 Type: Detached House
🛏 Layout: 3LDK
📐 Building Size: 162.81 m² (1,752 sq ft)
🌿 Land Size: 309.68 m² (3,333 sq ft)
🚍 Access: no specific address but the description of the property says a 10-minute walk to the closest bus stop
Learn more here: Live Listing!
This house is beautiful and offers amazing views of both the city and the ocean, making it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy throughout the year. The property features a spacious layout with gardens both at the front and back (or maybe side) of the house, as well as one parking space—which is essential, as having a car is highly recommended for accessing the property and exploring the nearby ski slopes.
There is also a bus stop within a 10-minute walk, which adds convenience for daily transportation. The seller has maintained the house very well, so not much work would be needed to make the property fully functional and comfortable. Overall, I think this is a truly beautiful home with stunning scenery, located in the peaceful outskirts of Otaru.
Ingredient #2
💰 Price: ¥5,000,000 (~$31,982 USD)
🏠 Type: Detached House
🛏 Layout: 8DK
📐 Building Size: 130.07 m² (1,400 sq ft)
🌿 Land Size: 287.00 m² (2,692 sq ft)
🚍 Access: 8-minute walk to Kasugayama Station on the Myoko Haneuma Line
Learn more here: Live Listing!
This house in Joetsu offers great value for those interested in renting out their property while away. It is conveniently located just a 17-minute train ride from the Myoko area and around 30 minutes by car from the nearest ski resort. Although Joetsu is not directly within Myoko, it is still very close and offers more affordable properties while maintaining easy access to the ski regions.
The house itself is quite spacious, featuring eight bedrooms, a dining area, and a kitchen. While it is not in the best condition and will definitely require renovations, I think the price is a bargain considering its size and proximity to major tourist and ski areas.
The property also includes a parking space and a garden area with plenty of room to bring any creative ideas to life. Overall, I think this property has strong potential for someone looking for a renovation project in a strategic location.
Ingredient #3
📍 Location: Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture
💰 Price: ¥11,800,000 (~$75,478 USD)
🏠 Type: Detached House
🛏 Layout: 6LDK+S
📐 Building Size: 159.76 m² (1,720 sq ft)
🌿 Land Size: 375.00 m² (4,036.47 sq ft)
🚍 Access: 18-minute walk to Yatsushiro Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line
Learn more here: Live Listing!
For the final house, I wanted to introduce a property with more of a summer vibe while also showcasing the beautiful prefecture of Kumamoto (one of my favorite places in Japan). Kumamoto has a lot to offer, as it is only about a 40-minute bullet train ride to Fukuoka City and also has Kumamoto Airport, making access from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita Airport) very convenient.
While property prices in central Kumamoto City have been rising, there are still areas outside the city center that offer excellent value, especially for beautiful homes near the ocean. This property is a perfect example of that balance—offering coastal living while still maintaining the convenience of local daily life. The house is located less than an hour by car from central Kumamoto and about an hour and a half from the airport. It is in very good condition and truly move-in ready, while also featuring a parking space and a traditional Japanese-style garden.
That’s all I have for this week! Are there any areas you are interested in exploring properties in? Let me know in the comments!
Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects my personal opinions and experience. I am not a licensed financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.